"I think every human being has both the capacity and the opportunity to be wonderful, and that the best in us emerges as we allow life to transform us—particularly, as we allow pain to slough off the layers of self-protection that shroud our tender humanity and keep us isolated from each other. Again, this isn't easy—in fact it's often terrifying and agonizing, which is why we rarely volunteer for the process. But it comes upon us anyway, in one form or another. None of us can opt out of suffering; rather, our choice is whether to resist or surrender to its power of change." -Kathryn Lynard Soper in an interview here.

From Santa's Lap 2011

All I have to say is, LOL!

Tutoring?

Have I mentioned I'm tutoring?

Middle and high school math and science! Yahoo!

I tutored for a bit when GG was in law school, but have been on break for a few years.

Until a neighbor approached me about tutoring her son in Algebra 1. There was my chance! He walks over to our house one evening/week when the kids are in bed and I am needing a change of pace--so we study all things Algebra for a glorious hour. At the start of the new year, I'll probably head out to the local high schools to see if I can get one or two more students. It's a fun side job and I'm greatly enjoying it.

I had a session with my one and only student tonight and was reminded of my calling to teach others, whether they be my children or other's children. Imparting knowledge, guidance, and understanding is about at the top of my list of life "highs". That proverbial lightbulb is pretty awesome to see light up! I'm so grateful to God for showing me this vocation early on in life. I started teaching Sunday School in 9th grade and haven't looked back since...

So I'm back dabbling in the world of Algebra 1. Thankfully this student is going easy on me and reminding me of the wonderful world of variables, linear equations, slope, absolute value, and more...

I am also reminded of how good it feels to produce, even if its just a little.

So there's a window into G-Ville life for one evening. Now, I'm off to tackle more Christmas cards...

God bless,

Just the Goodness

The great news is that my bag arrived two days late with the camera inside.

I was on my way to Bible study and really mulling over the issue with God, trying to see all of the good lessons He was teaching me... when I received a quick text from GG about the "good news" about the status of my bag. Thank you, dear Lord! By the time I returned home, there it sat on our front porch, it's inside contents askew but with everything still there. I still can't believe it!

Here is a smattering of a few of my favorite photos...

Among the highlights were...

*visiting St. Peter's, the scavi underground, seeing the pope, and attending Mass and reconciliation there. This was beyond special!

*the quiet meals spent with my GG, eating delicious food and just being together--it's been awhile since we've done this with any sort of frequency. Have I mentioned how much I love gnocchi? And gelato? Ask GG sometime about our 30E gelato experience. It was delicious, but...! ;)

*seeing Uncle C and meeting his Vicenza life and friends. He was a wonderful host and has a beautiful place in the heart of the city. Thanksgiving spent with his crew was such a treat.

*taking in the beautiful Renaissance art. I read Michaelangelo and The Pope's Ceiling by Ross King before/during the trip and was completely taken with the politics and history happening in 1500. The Academia and Uffizi Galleries in Florence whet our appetites for Raphael's Vatican rooms and the Sistine Chapel in Rome. The masters did not disappoint in the slightest! Just amazing.

*the weather seriously couldn't have been better. 50/60's and sunny, anyone? In late November? This was unheard of!

*getting mistaken as an Italian/European a few times--people approached us to ask us questions as if we were local! "Solo ingles" was my pieced together response. 7.5 years of Spanish helps un pocito. I'm convinced it was the black puffy coat I bought at the Gap last year for a steal! Totally Euro! lol.

All in all, it was an awesome trip. We had a blast. Icing on the cake was an Air France flight from Paris to JFK on an AirBus, where we had menus, drinks, personal TV's and movies, music, and foot rests while sitting in coach, mind you! Ha! It was the perfect ending to a fantastic trip. (The fact that they're the ones who screwed up the bags, well, that's for another story!)

The smiling faces greeting us when we arrived home were about the best welcome home gift we could have ever hoped for. Can't believe all the good blessings in our life.

Happy Advent from G-Ville,

Goodness Gracious!

The Goodness: we had an AMAZING trip!

The Gracious!! My bag is lost... with the nice camera... with all the trip pics. A Lora!

So you'll just have to take my word for it that our trip was awesomely awesome. We are praying the bag shows up soon--and at the same time offering up any material selfishness as best as we can.

Back with verbal trip highlights tomorrow...

Italia, baby!

Just finished the medical release form, childcare details, schedule specifics--it is amazing to me the amount of work necessary in order to leave one's children for any length of time!

I admit, I am replaceable. But not without a lot of explaining!

Now we're off to finalize packing...

I hope to check in at least once while we're gone. We're taking two cameras, so we should have plenty of pics to share.

We would love your prayers... thank you! My mama heart is going to need them so that I don't miss the kids too much while we're gone. I guess I should expect the angst--they are my life!! What goodness, though, to leave them in such loving, capable hands as our Mimi and Papa's.

Happy Thanksgiving to all!

Ciao,

As of 16

It is good to get my 16-week appt. checked off the list before our exciting trip to Italy at week's end!! GG and I are celebrating our ten year anniversary (a little early) and jet-setting to see his brother in Vicenza while also taking in Venice, Florence, and Rome for 6 days. Many thanks go to our Papa and Mimi duo for making much of this trip possible, especially for caring for our sweet cherubs while we're gone. Are they unreal or what?!? We are so grateful.

As of today's appt...

Baby's heart rate: 150bpm, strong, lovely, I-could-listen-to-it-all-day soothing

Mama's bp: 112/72 (this is really good for me--thanks to a hard workout this morning!)

Mama's weight gain: 7 lbs. (soon to be +15 lbs. after eating amazing Italian food!)

Doc's recs: compression knee socks for the plane ride to reduce the risk of clots, etc. Got some this afternoon--they are HOT! ;)

Mama's clothes: first maternity pants worn today--luxury!

I feel like I'm running around like a mad women, but as of Wednesday afternoon on the plane, it will all be worth it!